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CBHD Statement on Recent Developments in Alternative Methods for Obtaining Pluripotent Stem Cells

CBHD Statement on Recent Developments in Alternative Methods for Obtaining Pluripotent Stem Cells 

Chicago, Illinois - October 28, 2005 - The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD) applauds creative, ethical thinking in the search for new techniques for producing stem cells without harming human embryos.

Two animal studies recently presented in Nature may shed helpful light on research processes that might potentially provide therapeutic benefit without ethical compromise. We support appropriate and ethical animal experimentation to explore such methods while recognizing that the ethics of application to humans is another matter altogether.

Scientific inquiry must begin with ethical principles and operate within moral boundaries. This is the only way that public consensus will be achieved in these controversial areas. Stem cell research raises important biological, philosophical, and theological questions that require extended multidisciplinary discussions in appropriate international forums.

Issues we must consider include:

--Have recent developments really changed how we define the embryo?
--What are the ethics surrounding egg donation and harvesting?
--Where should the relational context of procreation come in to all of this?

In short, how do we best uphold life, respect human dignity, and steward creation? These issues are too important to ignore. CBHD welcomes the opportunity this research affords to advance this crucial dialogue.

About The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. CBHD recognizes that developments in healthcare and biotechnology create amazing opportunities as well as serious threats to
human dignity, and to human life itself. The Center brings biblical-Christian perspectives to bear on current and emerging bioethical challenges, by
developing cutting-edge critiques and constructive alternatives to meet the real human needs involved.

The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. 2005.